Dismissive, Unhelpful and Rude are just some of the words that come to mind after reaching out for advice. I reached out regarding the intense stabbing pain and swelling on my injection site. After my second Zodalex the pain & frustration was intense.
Zodalex Pain & Frustration
After already having one Zodalex injection, I knew it would be painful during and it was. However, I also knew that based on my first experiences that it would pass only hours later.
This one did not feel the same. In fact, to move, sit, stand or lay was challenging to say the least. Attempting not to create the deep stabbing pain in my stomach and groin wasn’t easy.
But I dosed up on pain relief and stayed as still as I could. Basically had my husband fetch and carry for me for the night. Normally this would be welcomed. But knowing he had been at work since 4 am, I couldn’t help but feel a nuisance.
Although in pain and frustrated, I decided not to contact the GP.
I’d wait until the morning and see if it was still the same. Optimistic it would ease and be better.
As I opened my eyes I instantly celebrated having had 6 hours sleep, wahoo.
The celebration was cut short as I began moving to get up. Immediately the pain resurfaced again as it had the night before.
Reluctantly I rang my GP. I say reluctantly because I am all too aware of the pressure the NHS is under and would never want to add to that unnecessarily.
Zodalex Side effects
Reading the side effects on the leaflet where it states – contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Abdominal pain
Abdominal distension
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Low blood pressure and/or altered levels of consciousness
So experiencing 2 out of the 6 pushed me to reach out to the Dr.
After a number of engaged tones I eventually got through only to be told I couldn’t be seen and couldn’t have a call back so to ring the hospital.
The Frustration Began
I then rang gynae outpatients to be given a number to ring gynae nurses. They advised to ring 111.
So, I rang 111. After a lengthy call, they advised me to ring my own GP.
After explaining they couldn’t speak to or see me, they suggested the same day clinic.
Fabulous, at this stage I was willing to speak to anyone who could just put my concerns at ease.
The same day clinic called back to say they couldn’t offer me anything and to ring my own gp.
By this time 2 hours had passed.
Anxious & Worried
I felt so nervous about calling them back. You know that feeling when you are a child, and you know you are going to get into trouble?
Anxious and worried I hesitated.
Is this how I should be feeling?
Have I done something wrong?
Should I wait it out?
What if something is wrong and I don’t address it?
What will happen?
I literally felt like a huge problem and considered not making the call. It wasn’t helping the pain and frustration!
But not wanting to ignore the advice clearly stated on the leaflet, I called back.
I just cried
As the number in the call queue decreased, I was now sweating but nevertheless continued to hold.
As the same receptionist answered I instantly apologised and explained the past two hours.
She wasn’t too happy to hear my voice again and I was instantly made to feel like I was the issue.
It was apparent that the other medical professionals advising me back to my GP had ruffled her feathers. ‘Yes they would say to come back here’ Her words not mine.
To then mention the fact that everyone’s pain threshold is different. To which I immediately referred to the fact I had given birth without any pain relief and so I would say that’s a good indication of my pain threshold.
I was basically told if the pain escalates then I was to go to A&E. Beyond that it should subside over time. How long? She couldn’t say.
Feeling like an inconvenience to everyone. Very low, still in pain and frustrated. I just cried.
Dealing with the Pain & Frustration
I now had to organise cover for work and had several appointments out of the house that needed rescheduling.
Frustration, upset and disbelief. Just some of the emotions racing through my mind. Not to mention the pain in my body.
Awareness
I stopped for a moment and took a breath.
When you are tense you hold your breath and become rigid through your body.
The body responds to your emotions. When emotions are powerful the feelings through the body mirror this.
In times like this it is important to stop and breathe.
Breathing in a slow and controlled way calms the body.
I spoke with a few friends and aired my frustrations. Offloading also helps remove the tension within the body, as well as the mind.
Once I felt calmer I was able to think more clearly.
Able to make a plan of what I needed to do.
When you take time to stop and in a way look at your situation more logically rather than from the emotion of it. It creates more clarity.
My Plan
First up stronger pain relief.
Next rescheduling and organsing what I needed help with.
Finally something to help me relax. A nice warm bath with soothing music and candles always helps me.
Oh and a reminder of one of my most used and useful phrases.
‘Today I will not stress about what I cannot control’
The Zodalex implant is in my body and for now it’s staying there.
I cannot change the response from my GP.
I cannot go back to yesterday and change my decision.
Focus on what I can do.
I can get stronger pain relief.
I can organise the next few days to allow for this hugely inconvenient situation.
I can be kinder to myself and do things that are aligned with that.
By using these strategies you can learn to help yourself too.
If you haven’t already you can check out the start of my journey with Zodalex & the Menopause on the Blog
If you have had any experience with Zoladex or difficulties during menopause please comment below. Come and connect with me on Facebook or Instagram.
With Love
